a birthday and a funeral

On Sunday (1/24) we celebrated my grandpa’s 92nd birthday and the very next day, my 45-year old friend passed away. After celebrating such a significant milestone, it seemed an especially cruel twist.

But after attending Renee’s Celebration of Life service, I realized it’s not the amount of time we are given but what we do with it that really matters. The time we are given is a gift. We talked about it at length last February as I was recovering from surgery and she was battling cancer. Renee had become keenly aware of her limits. Having only a certain amount of energy each week meant she had to become quite intentional about how and where she spent her time.

Based on everything I have heard in the last week, it’s clear she loved deeply and fully until the end. It’s had me thinking about this gift of timeso often taken for granted. Each of us given a finite amount each day, week, and month. Each of us given a finite amount period. Am I making time for the people and things that matter most or am I simply fulfilling duties? Am I reflecting grace and love in the way I live? Am I pouring into relationships or do I find myself spending the bulk of my time on the sidelines watching life? Am I reaching outside of my comfort zone to make a difference in the lives of others?

I think it would make her smile to know that even in death, she continues to inspire me.